Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Thursday that Israel aims to take control of Gaza with the intention of eventually transferring governance to Arab forces. In an interview broadcasted on Fox News from Jerusalem, he expressed that the objective is to secure the area, eliminate Hamas, and allow the local population to live free from its influence.
Netanyahu emphasized that Israel does not intend to maintain a long-term presence in Gaza. “We want to have a security perimeter. We don’t want to govern it. We want to hand it over to Arab forces that will govern it properly without threatening us,” he stated. He reiterated that governance by Hamas or groups hostile to Israel would not facilitate a better life for Gazans.
His comments come after allegations from his office indicating a plan to “occupy all of the Gaza Strip,” a statement that raised concerns due to the ambiguity of the terms ‘occupy’ and ‘conquer.’ Clarifications on the intended definition were not provided by Netanyahu’s office.
Recent aerial imagery of Gaza reveals extensive destruction, showcasing numerous damaged buildings amidst rubble and sprawling tent camps. This visual evidence underscores the severity of the situation and the humanitarian challenges that lie ahead.
The situation is critical, and the potential for reintegrating Gaza under responsible governance presents an opportunity for improved life for its residents if carried out effectively. However, the path towards lasting peace remains fraught with challenges given the historical complexities of the region.